Claims:[048] Claims:-
We claim:
1. A system 100 for heating a passenger compartment 102 of a vehicle, in particular a heavy vehicle, the system 100 comprising:
? a primary heating sub-system 104 for transferring heat from an internal combustion engine 108 to the passenger compartment 102 of the vehicle; and
? a secondary heating sub-system 106 for pre-heating the primary heating sub-system 104 by the heat extracted from a blow-by gas released by the internal combustion engine 108.
2. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises a heavy vehicle, such as a truck.
3. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary heating sub-system 104 comprising a primary cab heater.
4. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein heat from the internal combustion engine 108 is transferred to the primary heating sub-system 104 by a part of a coolant travelling in a closed circuit.
5. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the part of the coolant at high temperature, after taking heat from the internal combustion engine 108, transfers this heat to the passenger compartment 102.
6. The system 100 as claimed in any one of claims 4 & 5, wherein the other part of the coolant travels to a radiator 112 of the vehicle.
7. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the secondary heating sub-system 106 comprises an auxiliary cab heater.
8. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the secondary heating sub-system 106 takes in atmospheric air that is heated by the heat from the blow-by gas at high temperature and is transferred to the primary heating sub-system 104 for pre-heating the primary heating sub-system 104.
9. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blow-by gas after transferring heat to the atmospheric air in the secondary heating sub-system 106 exits out of the secondary heating sub-system 106 to the atmosphere.
10. A system 100 for heating a passenger compartment of a vehicle, in particular a heavy vehicle, the system 100 comprising:
? an internal combustion engine 108;
? a primary heating sub-system 104 for heating the passenger compartment 102;
? a coolant for transferring heat from the internal combustion engine 108 to a primary heating sub-system 104 and a radiator 112, a part of the coolant at high temperature transferring the heat from the internal combustion engine 108 to the primary heating sub-system 104 and the remaining part of the coolant at high temperature transferring heat from the internal combustion engine 108 to a radiator 112;
? the primary heating sub-system 104 delivering the coolant at a low temperature to the radiator 112 after transferring the heat to the passenger compartment 102; and
? a secondary heating sub-system 106 for taking in atmospheric air and heating the atmospheric air by a blow-by gas coming from the internal combustion engine 108, the heated air from the secondary heating sub-system 106 being transferred to the primary heating sub-system 104 for pre-heating the primary heating sub-system 104;
? the blow-by gas exiting out of the secondary heating sub-system 106 into the atmosphere after heating atmospheric air; and
? the radiator 112 transferring the heat from the coolant to the atmosphere and supplying the coolant at low temperature to the internal combustion engine 108.
, Description:[001] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[002] The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:
[003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[004] The subject matter described herein, in general, relates to a heating system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle and in particular, relates to improving the efficiency of a heating unit for a passenger compartment of a truck by utilizing the blow-by gas heat from the internal combustion engine.
[005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[006] An internal combustion engine is the main source of power in a vehicle. The internal combustion engine utilizes fuel such as petrol, diesel, Compressed Natural Gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas etc. for operation. The combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion reciprocates the piston in the cylinder of the engine. The reciprocatory motion of the piston is converted into a rotary motion of the crankshaft of the vehicle. After combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber, the internal combustion engine releases exhaust gases to atmosphere through an exhaust valve.
[007] In an internal combustion engine, the combustion of fuel inevitably leads to small but continual amount of blow-by gas. A blow-by occurs when some of the gases under high pressure and high temperature in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine are blown past the piston rings and enter the crankcase. The presence of combusted gases inside the crankcase leads to a pressure build up in the crankcase. The pressure inside the crankcase is controlled by venting the gases out of the crankcase by positive crankcase ventilation systems. The positive crankcase ventilation systems can be described as either open or closed.
[008] In open crankcase ventilation (OCV) system, the blow-by gas from the internal combustion engine is discharged to the atmosphere. On the other hand, the blow-by gas is transferred to the air intake before the internal combustion engine in the case of a closed crankcase ventilation system.
[009] While in conventional systems, heat energy from the internal combustion engine is utilized for heating the passenger cabin of large vehicles, such as trucks, the blow-by gases are generally not utilized.
[010] JP 2010101226 describes a crankcase emission control apparatus that performs ventilation of an engine in which an air conditioning machine is driven during an idle operation.
[011] JP 2005220808 describes a blow-by gas treatment in an internal combustion engine.
[012] JP H09112240 describes reducing oil discharged from the crank case of a gas engine.
[013] However, there is a need for a simple, compact and economical system that enhances the efficiency of a heating unit of a vehicle in a more resourceful manner.
[014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[015] It is an object of the present subject matter to provide a simple, compact and economical system that enhances the efficiency of a heating unit of a vehicle in a more resourceful manner.
[016] It is another object of the present subject matter to ensure fast and efficient heating of the passenger compartment of a vehicle.
[017] It is another object of the present subject matter to utilize heat energy of the blow-by gas released by the internal combustion engine for heating the passenger compartment of a vehicle.
[018] It is another object of the present subject matter to enhance comfort to the driver and passengers of the vehicle.
[019] The subject matter described herein relates to a system for heating a passenger compartment of a vehicle, in particular a heavy vehicle. The system comprises a primary heating sub-system for transferring heat from an internal combustion engine to the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and a secondary heating sub-system for pre-heating the primary heating sub-system by the heat extracted from a blow-by gas released by the internal combustion engine.
[020] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the vehicle comprises a heavy vehicle, such as a truck.
[021] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the primary heating sub-system comprising a primary cab heater.
[022] In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, heat from the internal combustion engine is transferred to the primary heating sub-system by a part of a coolant travelling in a closed circuit.
[023] In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the part of the coolant at high temperature, after taking heat from the internal combustion engine, transfers this heat to the passenger compartment.
[024] In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the other part of the coolant travels to a radiator of the vehicle.
[025] In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the secondary heating sub-system comprises an auxiliary cab heater.
[026] In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the secondary heating sub-system takes in atmospheric air that is heated by the heat from the blow-by gas at high temperature and is transferred to the primary heating sub-system for pre-heating the primary heating sub-system.
[027] In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the blow-by gas after transferring heat to the atmospheric air in the secondary heating sub-system exits out of the secondary heating sub-system to the atmosphere.
[028] In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the system includes an internal combustion engine, a primary heating sub-system for heating the passenger compartment, a coolant for transferring heat from the internal combustion engine to a primary heating sub-system and a radiator, a part of the coolant at high temperature transferring the heat from the internal combustion engine to the primary heating sub-system and the remaining part of the coolant at high temperature transferring heat from the internal combustion engine to a radiator, the primary heating sub-system delivering the coolant at a low temperature to the radiator after transferring the heat to the passenger compartment, and a secondary heating sub-system for taking in atmospheric air and heating the atmospheric air by a blow-by gas coming from the internal combustion engine, the heated air from the secondary heating sub-system being transferred to the primary heating sub-system for pre-heating the primary heating sub-system, the blow-by gas exiting out of the secondary heating sub-system into the atmosphere after heating atmospheric air, and the radiator transferring the heat from the coolant to the atmosphere and supplying the coolant at low temperature to the internal combustion engine.
[029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[030] The foregoing and further objects, features and advantages of the present subject matter will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals are used to represent like elements.
[031] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter, and are therefore, not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the subject matter may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[032] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a system for heating a passenger compartment of a truck in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[034] The following presents a detailed description of various embodiments of the present subject matter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[035] The embodiments of the present subject matter are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present subject matter is not limited to these embodiments which are only provided to explain more clearly the present subject matter to a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.
[036] The specification may refer to “an”, “one”, “different” or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.
[037] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including” and/or “comprising” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “attached” or “connected” or “coupled” or “mounted” to another element, it can be directly attached or connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.
[038] The figures depict a simplified structure only showing some elements and functional entities, all being logical units whose implementation may differ from what is shown.
[039] The present subject matter provides a simple, compact and economical system for heating a passenger compartment of a truck that utilizes heat energy from the blow-by gas of an internal combustion engine for pre-heating a primary cab heater of the passenger compartment. According to the present subject matter, an auxiliary cab heater is placed before the primary cab heater. The auxiliary cab heater takes in the atmospheric air and utilizes the blow-by gas of the internal combustion engine to heat the atmospheric air. The atmospheric air at high temperature is then supplied to the primary cab heater for pre-heating the primary cab heater, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the primary cab heater and ensuring fast heating of the passenger compartment.
[040] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a system 100 for heating a passenger compartment 102 of a vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the vehicle includes a heavy vehicle, such as a truck. The passenger compartment 102 of the truck is the cabin which is occupied by the driver and passengers.
[041] For example, and by no way limiting the scope of the present subject matter, the system 100 includes a plurality of heating sub-systems 104, 106. The plurality of heating sub-systems in accordance with an embodiment includes a primary heating sub-system 104 and a secondary heating sub-system 106. In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the primary heating sub-system 104 includes a primary cab heater and the secondary heating sub-system 106 includes an auxiliary cab heater. The primary and auxiliary cab heaters 104, 106 of the system 100 are heat exchangers in an embodiment.
[042] For the purpose of the present description the terms ‘primary heating sub-system’ and ‘primary cab heater’ are used interchangeably hereinafter. Similarly, the terms ‘secondary heating sub-system’ and ‘auxiliary cab heater’ are used interchangeably in the present description.
[043] The combustion of fuel in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine 108 makes the piston to reciprocate in the cylinder, which in turn rotates the crankshaft of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the internal combustion engine comprises a 6-cylinder internal combustion engine. The combustion of fuel in the cylinders 110 of the internal combustion engine 108 leads to generation of heat. This heat generated by the internal combustion engine 108 is carried by a coolant that travels in a closed circuit comprising the engine block (not shown) of the internal combustion engine 108, the primary cab heater 104, a radiator 112 of the vehicle.
[044] The coolant after taking heat from the internal combustion engine is at a high temperature. A part of the coolant at high temperature travels to the primary cab heater 104 and the remaining part of the coolant at high temperature is transferred to the radiator 112. The primary cab heater 104 is a liquid-to-air heat exchanger in an embodiment that transfers the heat from the coolant to the passenger compartment 102 on receiving the coolant at high temperature from the internal combustion engine. The coolant after transferring heat in the primary cab heater 104 travels to the radiator 112 where it mixes with the remaining part of the coolant coming directly from the internal combustion engine 108. The radiator 112 dissipates the heat from the coolant to the atmosphere and the coolant at a low temperature is transferred back to the internal combustion engine 108 for cooling.
[045] During the operation of the internal combustion engine 108, some amount of blow-by gas, comprising hot fuel vapours, under high pressure travels through the piston rings into the crankcase. This blow-by gas is vented out of the internal combustion engine 108 to reduce pressure build up in the crankcase. According to the present subject matter, the blow-by gas is utilized by the auxiliary cab heater 106 for pre-heating the primary cab heater 104. The auxiliary cab heater 106 is an air-to-air heat exchanger in an embodiment that takes in the atmospheric air and transfers heat from the blow-by gas to the atmospheric air. The atmospheric air is at high temperature after taking heat from the blow-by gas and is transferred to the primary cab heater 104 for pre-heating the primary cab heater 104. The blow-by gas, after transferring heat to the atmospheric air in the auxiliary cab heater 106, exits into the atmosphere.
[046] As can be seen from above, the system according to the present subject matter utilizes the heat energy from the blow-by gas for pre-heating the primary cab heater, and hence for heating the passenger compartment. The present system ensures faster heating of the passenger compartment and better comfort for the driver and passengers occupying the passenger compartment. Further, the present system is simple, compact and economical that enhances the efficiency of the heating unit of the vehicle in a more resourceful manner.
[047] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore, contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined.